The CHE Ranking brand covers the various rankings initiatives of the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE). Each initiative has a different focus:

The CHE University Ranking (CHE-HochschulRanking) is the most comprehensive and detailed ranking of higher education institutions (HEIs) in German-speaking countries. It was designed primarily to address the needs of first-year students. However, it is a valuable resource used by students in general, and is considered by HEIs to be a fair, informative and qualified source of information.

The CHE Research Ranking (CHE-ForschungsRanking) analyses HEIs in Germany on the basis of their research performance. This project aims to make performance in academic research transparent across the country and to highlight those faculties that are performing particularly well.

The CHE Excellence Ranking identifies outstanding academic departments across Europe and presents detailed information about programme offerings and academic qualities to assist prospective graduate students in their search for the most suitable institution to pursue a Master's or doctorate degree. The project's first phase included the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. The second phase, to be completed in 2009, will also include Political Science, Psychology and Economics.

The CHE/dapm Employability Rating assesses bachelor programmes in Germany on the basis of how well they promote qualifications and competencies that contribute to the professional capability of their graduates. To evaluate programmes, four competency areas were assessed: methodological skills, soft skills, practical experience, and internationality.